Systems and methods for intelligently updating a software configuration of an appliance are provided. In particular, the systems and methods include features for performing software updates based on the unique identity or fingerprint of one or more control boards present in the appliance. Further, methods for tracking appliances with unknown software configurations are also provided.
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1. A method of updating a software configuration of an appliance, the method comprising: receiving, by one or more computing devices, a software update package comprising a plurality of candidate payloads applicable to a plurality of appliance configurations, each of the plurality of candidate payloads comprising one or more update images each comprising identifying characteristics, and wherein the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification; receiving, by the one or more computing devices, for one or more control boards present in the appliance, identifying characteristics associated with one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance, and wherein the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification; determining, by the one or more computing devices, an appliance payload from the plurality of candidate payloads based at least in part on the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance and the identifying characteristics of the update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package, wherein determining the appliance payload from the plurality of candidate payloads comprises comparing, by the one or more computing devices, the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance with the identifying characteristics of the update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package, and wherein when the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images matches the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads, respectively, the candidate payload associated with the matching identifying characteristics is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
The invention relates to a method for updating software configurations in appliances, particularly addressing the challenge of efficiently selecting and applying the correct software updates for different appliance configurations. The method involves receiving a software update package containing multiple candidate payloads, each applicable to different appliance configurations. Each candidate payload includes one or more update images, each with identifying characteristics such as a board address, hardware identification, and image identification. The method also receives identifying characteristics for the software images currently installed on the appliance's control boards, including the same three identifiers. The system then determines the appropriate appliance payload by comparing these identifiers. If the board address, hardware identification, and image identification of the installed software images match those of an update image in a candidate payload, that candidate payload is selected for inclusion in the final appliance payload. This ensures that the correct software updates are applied based on the specific hardware and software configuration of the appliance, improving update accuracy and reducing errors. The method automates the selection process, minimizing manual intervention and enhancing reliability in software updates for diverse appliance configurations.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: providing, by the one or more computing devices, the appliance payload to the appliance.
A system and method for managing appliance payloads in a computing environment involves transmitting data between computing devices and appliances. The method includes generating an appliance payload containing instructions or data for an appliance, such as a smart device or industrial machine. The payload is formatted to ensure compatibility with the appliance's communication protocols and operational requirements. The method further includes transmitting the payload to the appliance, where it is processed to execute commands, update firmware, or adjust settings. The system may use encryption or authentication to secure the payload during transmission. This approach improves efficiency by automating payload delivery and reduces errors by ensuring proper formatting and compatibility. The method is particularly useful in environments where multiple appliances require coordinated updates or configurations, such as in smart home systems or industrial automation. By standardizing payload delivery, the system enhances reliability and reduces manual intervention.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining comprises comparing, by the one or more computing devices, the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance with the identifying characteristics of the update images of the plurality of candidate payloads of the software update package, wherein if the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images match the identifying characteristics of the update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads, the candidate payload with the matching identifying characteristics is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
This invention relates to software update systems for appliances, specifically methods for selecting appropriate software updates based on identifying characteristics of control board software images. The problem addressed is ensuring that software updates are correctly matched to the specific hardware and software configurations present in an appliance, preventing compatibility issues or failed updates. The method involves comparing identifying characteristics of software images on one or more control boards within an appliance with identifying characteristics of update images from a software update package. The update package contains multiple candidate payloads, each designed for different configurations. By matching the identifying characteristics of the appliance's software images with those of the candidate payloads, the system selects the correct payload for inclusion in the final update. This ensures that only compatible updates are applied, reducing errors and improving reliability. The identifying characteristics may include version numbers, hardware identifiers, or other unique markers that distinguish different software configurations. The comparison process is performed by computing devices, which analyze the characteristics to determine the best match. This approach automates the selection process, eliminating manual intervention and minimizing the risk of incorrect updates. The system is particularly useful in environments where multiple appliances with varying configurations need to receive updates efficiently and accurately.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance are received for each one of the one or more control boards present in the appliance.
This invention relates to a system for managing and identifying software images in appliances with multiple control boards. The problem addressed is the difficulty in tracking and verifying the software configurations of different control boards within a single appliance, which can lead to compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, or operational failures. The solution involves a method that receives and processes identifying characteristics of software images installed on each control board in the appliance. These characteristics may include version numbers, checksums, digital signatures, or other unique identifiers that help distinguish between different software builds or configurations. By collecting and analyzing these characteristics for each control board, the system ensures that the correct software versions are deployed and maintained across all components of the appliance. This approach improves system reliability, simplifies troubleshooting, and enhances security by ensuring that only authorized and compatible software images are used. The method may also support automated updates or rollbacks if discrepancies are detected, further reducing manual intervention and potential errors. The invention is particularly useful in industrial, medical, or network appliances where multiple control boards must operate in synchronization.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance comprise a board address, a hardware identification, an image identification, an image type, and an image version.
This invention relates to identifying and managing software images in industrial or networked appliances, particularly those with multiple control boards. The problem addressed is the lack of standardized identification for software images across different control boards, which complicates maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting. The solution involves associating each software image with a set of identifying characteristics to ensure accurate tracking and management. The method involves extracting and storing specific attributes for each software image present on the control boards within an appliance. These attributes include a board address, which uniquely identifies the physical or logical location of the control board; a hardware identification, which specifies the hardware model or type of the control board; an image identification, which uniquely distinguishes the software image from others; an image type, which categorizes the software (e.g., firmware, application, or configuration); and an image version, which indicates the revision or release number of the software. By maintaining these characteristics, the system enables precise identification, verification, and management of software images across multiple control boards, improving reliability and reducing errors during updates or diagnostics. This approach is particularly useful in industrial automation, networking devices, and other systems where multiple control boards operate in coordination.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more update images comprise metadata, the metadata comprising the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images, and wherein the method further comprises: compiling, by the one or more computing devices, for each of the one or more software images, the identifying characteristics associated with one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance into a unique image identifier; and comparing, by the one or more computing devices, the unique image identifiers with the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads.
This invention relates to software update management for appliances with multiple control boards. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate and efficient software updates by verifying compatibility between update images and existing software images on the appliance's control boards. The method involves analyzing metadata associated with update images, which includes identifying characteristics such as version numbers, checksums, or other unique identifiers. For each software image present on the control boards, the system compiles these identifying characteristics into a unique image identifier. The system then compares these unique image identifiers with the identifying characteristics of the update images from candidate payloads. This comparison ensures that only compatible updates are applied, preventing conflicts or errors during the update process. The solution enhances reliability and reduces the risk of system failures by validating software compatibility before deployment. The method is particularly useful in environments where multiple control boards require coordinated updates, such as industrial appliances or embedded systems.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein determining, by the one or more computing devices, the appliance payload from the plurality of candidate payloads based at least in part on the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards of the appliance is determined based at least in part on the comparison between the unique image identifiers and the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images.
This invention relates to updating software in appliances, particularly in systems where multiple control boards with different software images require tailored updates. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate and efficient software updates by identifying the correct payload for each control board based on its unique characteristics. The method involves analyzing one or more control boards within an appliance to extract identifying characteristics, such as unique image identifiers, from their current software images. These identifiers are compared against a set of candidate update payloads, each associated with specific identifying characteristics. The system determines the appropriate appliance payload by matching the unique image identifiers of the control boards with the identifying characteristics of the available update images. This ensures that each control board receives the correct software update, preventing mismatches that could lead to operational failures. The process may include pre-processing steps to gather and organize the identifying characteristics of the control boards and the update images. The comparison step involves evaluating the compatibility and suitability of each candidate payload based on the extracted identifiers. The final selection is made by selecting the payload that best matches the control board's current software state, ensuring seamless and reliable updates. This approach improves update accuracy, reduces errors, and enhances the reliability of appliance software maintenance.
8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: compiling, by the one or more computing devices, a unique board identifier for each of the one or more control boards present in the appliance based on the unique image identifiers.
The invention relates to a system for identifying and managing control boards within an appliance, such as a household or industrial device. The problem addressed is the need to uniquely identify and track multiple control boards in an appliance to ensure proper configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Existing systems may lack efficient methods for distinguishing between boards or may require manual intervention, leading to errors or inefficiencies. The method involves using one or more computing devices to capture images of the control boards within the appliance. Each board is assigned a unique image identifier based on the captured images, which may include visual markers, serial numbers, or other distinguishing features. The computing devices then compile a unique board identifier for each control board by processing the unique image identifiers. This identifier is used to distinguish between different boards, enabling automated tracking, configuration, and diagnostics. The system may also include steps for verifying the presence of required boards, detecting faulty or missing boards, and updating firmware or settings based on the identified boards. By automating the identification process, the invention improves accuracy, reduces manual effort, and enhances the overall reliability of appliance management. The method is particularly useful in complex appliances with multiple control boards, where manual tracking would be time-consuming and error-prone.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying characteristics associated with one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification, and wherein the identifying characteristics of the update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification, and wherein when the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images match the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads, the candidate payload associated with the matching identifying characteristics is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
This invention relates to software update systems for appliances, specifically methods for selecting appropriate software updates based on identifying characteristics of control boards within the appliance. The problem addressed is ensuring that only compatible software updates are applied to specific control boards, preventing errors or malfunctions due to mismatched firmware or software versions. The method involves comparing identifying characteristics of software images already present on the appliance's control boards with those of candidate payloads in a software update package. The identifying characteristics include a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification for both the existing software images and the update images. When these characteristics match between a control board's software image and a candidate payload, that payload is selected for inclusion in the final update package applied to the appliance. This ensures that only updates specifically designed for the hardware and software configuration of the appliance are installed, improving reliability and reducing the risk of compatibility issues. The system automates the selection process, minimizing manual intervention and potential human error.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a model number of the appliance; comparing, by the one or more computing devices, the model number with a model number library, and wherein if the model number received is not in the model number library, the model number is earmarked.
This invention relates to appliance maintenance and diagnostics, specifically a system for identifying and flagging unknown appliance models. The method involves receiving a model number of an appliance and comparing it against a pre-existing model number library stored in a database. If the received model number does not match any entry in the library, the system automatically flags or earmarks the model number for further review. This process helps maintenance technicians or service providers quickly identify appliances that may require additional research or specialized service procedures. The system ensures that all appliance models are accounted for, reducing the risk of incorrect maintenance or diagnostic actions. The method is implemented using one or more computing devices that process the model number input and perform the comparison against the library. The earmarking step may involve logging the unknown model number in a separate database or generating an alert for a technician. This approach improves efficiency in appliance servicing by streamlining the identification of unfamiliar models.
11. A system for updating a software configuration of an appliance having one or more control boards, the system comprising: a programming entity in operative communication with the appliance, the programming entity comprising one or more processors and one or more non-transitory memory devices, and wherein the one or more non-transitory memory devices store instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the programming entity to perform operations such that the programming entity is configured to: receive a software update package, the software update package comprising a plurality of candidate payloads each comprised of one or more update images, each of the one or more update images comprising identifying characteristics; query the appliance to discover identifying characteristics associated with one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance, wherein the identifying characteristics associated with one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance are descriptive of a hardware and a software configuration of respective ones of the one or more control boards; receive the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance; compile the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images into unique image identifiers, wherein each of the one or more software images has an associated unique image identifier; compare the unique image identifiers with the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of the plurality of candidate payloads; determine an appliance payload based at least in part on the comparison between the unique image identifiers and the identifying characteristics of the plurality of candidate payloads of the software update package, wherein determining the appliance payload from the plurality of candidate payloads comprises comparing, by the one or more computing devices, the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance with the identifying characteristics of the update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package, and wherein when the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images matches the board address, the hardware identification, and the image identification of the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads, respectively, the candidate payload associated with the matching identifying characteristics is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
The system updates software configurations for appliances with multiple control boards. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate and compatible software updates for appliances with diverse hardware and software configurations across their control boards. The system includes a programming entity with processors and memory that receives a software update package containing multiple candidate payloads, each with one or more update images. Each update image has identifying characteristics such as board address, hardware identification, and image identification. The programming entity queries the appliance to discover the current software images on its control boards, gathering their identifying characteristics, which describe the hardware and software configuration of each board. These characteristics are compiled into unique image identifiers. The system then compares these identifiers with the characteristics of the update images in the candidate payloads. Based on this comparison, it determines the appropriate appliance payload by selecting candidate payloads where the board address, hardware identification, and image identification match those of the appliance's current software images. This ensures only compatible updates are applied, preventing mismatches that could cause malfunctions. The system automates the selection process, reducing manual intervention and errors in software updates for complex appliances.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the programming entity is further configured to: provide the appliance payload to the appliance.
A system for managing appliance payloads in a networked environment addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and executing software updates or configurations to connected appliances. The system includes a programming entity that generates and manages payloads, which are sets of instructions or data intended for specific appliances. These payloads may include firmware updates, configuration settings, or operational directives. The programming entity is responsible for creating, validating, and transmitting these payloads to the target appliances. In this system, the programming entity is further configured to provide the appliance payload directly to the appliance, ensuring that the payload is delivered and executed as intended. This direct provision ensures timely updates and reduces the risk of errors or delays in the distribution process. The system may also include mechanisms for verifying the integrity and authenticity of the payload before transmission, as well as monitoring the appliance's response to the payload to confirm successful execution. This approach enhances the reliability and security of appliance management in networked environments.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein when the unique image identifiers are matched with the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads during comparing, the candidate payload associated with the matching update images is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
This invention relates to a system for selecting and including update images in an appliance payload based on matching unique image identifiers with identifying characteristics of candidate payloads. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently determining which update images from multiple candidate payloads should be incorporated into a final appliance payload, ensuring compatibility and correctness. The system compares unique image identifiers from a reference set with identifying characteristics of update images in candidate payloads. When a match is found between the identifiers and the characteristics, the corresponding candidate payload is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload. This selection process ensures that only the most relevant and compatible update images are chosen, improving system reliability and performance. The system may also include a pre-processing step to extract and store the unique image identifiers from the reference set, as well as a post-processing step to validate the selected candidate payloads before final inclusion. The identifying characteristics of the update images may include metadata, checksums, or other unique attributes that distinguish them from other images. By automating this matching and selection process, the system reduces manual intervention and minimizes errors in payload assembly.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images comprise a board address, a hardware identification, an image identification, an image type, and an image version and wherein the identifying characteristics of each of the one or more update images comprise a board address, a hardware identification, an image identification, an image type, and an image version.
A system for managing software updates in embedded or IoT devices ensures compatibility and security by matching software images to specific hardware configurations. The system identifies software images using a set of characteristics, including a board address, hardware identification, image identification, image type, and image version. These characteristics are also applied to update images to ensure they are compatible with the target hardware. By comparing these identifiers, the system verifies that an update image is suitable for a particular device before installation, preventing mismatches that could cause malfunctions or security vulnerabilities. The system automates the verification process, reducing manual errors and improving deployment efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple device models or firmware versions coexist, ensuring that updates are applied only to compatible devices. The use of standardized identifiers simplifies inventory management and facilitates secure, large-scale deployments.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the unique image identifiers are each hashes created by a hashing algorithm.
A system for managing and identifying digital images includes a database storing image data and associated metadata. The system generates unique image identifiers for each image, where these identifiers are hashes created by a hashing algorithm. The hashing algorithm processes the image data or metadata to produce a fixed-length, unique output that serves as the identifier. This allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and comparison of images, ensuring that each image can be distinctly recognized even if its metadata changes. The system may also include a user interface for uploading, searching, and managing images, with the hashing mechanism enabling fast and accurate matching of images during searches. The use of hashes ensures data integrity and prevents duplicate entries, as identical images will produce the same hash value. The system may further include encryption or other security measures to protect the stored image data and metadata. The hashing algorithm can be any suitable cryptographic or non-cryptographic hash function, such as SHA-256 or MD5, depending on the required level of uniqueness and security. This approach improves image management by providing a reliable and efficient way to identify and track images within the system.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein if the unique image identifiers do not match the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images of any of the plurality of candidate payloads, the programming entity is further configured to: compare the unique image identifiers with a plurality of configuration identifiers stored in a master configuration library; determine whether the unique image identifiers match one of the plurality of configuration identifiers stored in the master configuration library based at least in part on the comparison between the unique image identifiers and the plurality of configuration identifiers; and earmark the unique image identifiers of the appliance that do not match any of the plurality of configuration identifiers.
This invention relates to a system for managing and updating software configurations in networked appliances. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate and efficient identification and updating of appliance configurations, particularly when unique image identifiers do not match expected update images. The system includes a programming entity that compares unique image identifiers from an appliance with identifying characteristics of candidate payloads. If no match is found, the system further compares these identifiers with a master configuration library containing configuration identifiers. The system determines whether the identifiers match any stored configurations and earmarks those that do not match for further action. This ensures that only properly identified configurations are updated, while mismatched identifiers are flagged for review or correction. The system enhances reliability by preventing incorrect updates and improving configuration management in networked environments. The master configuration library serves as a centralized reference to validate appliance configurations, ensuring consistency and accuracy across deployments. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale systems where manual verification is impractical.
17. A method for updating a software configuration of an appliance having one or more control boards, the method comprising: receiving a software update package comprising a plurality of candidate payloads each comprising one or more update images each comprised of metadata, the metadata of each of the one or more update images comprising identifying characteristics, and wherein the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of the candidate payloads of the software update package comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification; querying the appliance to discover metadata of one or more software images associated with the one or more control boards present in the appliance, the metadata of each of the one or more software images comprising identifying characteristics, and wherein the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images of the one or more control boards present in the appliance comprise a board address, a hardware identification, and an image identification; receiving the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images; comparing the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images with the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images; determining if one of the plurality of candidate payloads of the software update package are a match for the appliance based at least in part on the comparison between the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images and the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images, and wherein when the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more software images match the identifying characteristics associated with the one or more update images of one of the plurality of candidate payloads, the candidate payload associated with the matching identifying characteristics is selected for inclusion in the appliance payload.
This invention relates to updating software configurations in appliances with multiple control boards. The problem addressed is ensuring that software updates are correctly matched to the specific hardware components within an appliance, preventing compatibility issues or errors during updates. The method involves receiving a software update package containing multiple candidate payloads, each with one or more update images. Each update image includes metadata with identifying characteristics such as a board address, hardware identification, and image identification. The appliance is queried to retrieve metadata of its current software images, which also include the same identifying characteristics. The method compares the metadata of the update images with the appliance's existing software images to determine if any candidate payload matches the appliance's configuration. If a match is found, the corresponding candidate payload is selected for installation. This ensures that only compatible updates are applied, reducing the risk of errors during the update process. The solution automates the selection of the correct update payload based on hardware and software compatibility, improving reliability and reducing manual intervention.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising: compiling the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images into respective unique image identifiers, wherein during comparing, the unique image identifiers are compared against the identifying characteristics of the one or more updated images.
This invention relates to software image management, specifically a method for efficiently identifying and comparing software images to detect updates or changes. The problem addressed is the need to accurately and efficiently determine whether software images have been updated or modified, which is critical for security, compliance, and system integrity in software deployment and management. The method involves analyzing one or more software images to extract identifying characteristics, such as checksums, hashes, or other unique attributes. These characteristics are then compiled into unique image identifiers, which serve as compact representations of the software images. When comparing these images to updated versions, the unique image identifiers are used instead of the full image data, reducing computational overhead and improving efficiency. The method ensures that only the relevant identifying characteristics are compared, allowing for quick and accurate detection of changes. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple software images must be monitored for updates, such as in cloud computing, containerized applications, or software distribution systems. By using unique image identifiers, the system avoids the need to process entire images, thereby optimizing performance and resource usage. The technique supports automated workflows for software validation, vulnerability detection, and compliance checks.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein if the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images do not match the identifying characteristics of the one or more update images of any of the candidate payloads, the method further comprises: comparing the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images with a plurality of configuration identifiers stored in a master configuration library; determining whether the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images match one of the plurality of configuration identifiers stored in the master configuration library based at least in part on the comparison between the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images and the plurality of configuration identifiers; and earmarking the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images of the appliance if the identifying characteristics of the one or more software images do not match any of the plurality of configuration identifiers.
This invention relates to software update systems for network appliances, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately identifying and updating software images when no direct match exists in candidate payloads. The method involves comparing identifying characteristics of software images on a network appliance against a master configuration library when no match is found in available update payloads. If the software images do not match any candidate payloads, the system compares their identifying characteristics with configuration identifiers stored in the master configuration library. If a match is found, the system proceeds with the update process. If no match is found in either the candidate payloads or the master configuration library, the system earmarks the software images for further review or manual intervention. This ensures that software updates are only applied when compatibility is confirmed, preventing errors or system failures. The master configuration library serves as a centralized repository of validated configuration identifiers, enabling consistent and reliable software updates across multiple appliances. The method improves update accuracy and reduces the risk of applying incorrect or incompatible updates.
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March 7, 2018
December 3, 2019
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